Dodgers Sign Former Royals Reliever to Bolster Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed right-handed pitcher Matt Sauer to a minor league deal, per ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel. The contract includes an invite to the Dodgers’ big league spring training camp.

RHP Matt Sauer has a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, per source. Deal includes a spring training invite.

The 25-year-old was a major league Rule 5 pick of the Royals last year and was a second round pick of the Yankees in the 2017 draft.

— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) December 16, 2024

Sauer, 25, was a former New York Yankees prospect. He was selected by the Yankees in the second round of the 2017 draft.

The right-hander made his major league debut last year in March with the Kansas City Royals. After a solid performance in the minor leagues throughout the 2023 campaign, Sauer was selected by the Royals in the Rule 5 draft.

In 14 appearances out of the Kansas City bullpen, Sauer posted a 7.71 ERA, punching just nine strikeouts and 11 walks across 16.1 innings. After struggling in the big leagues, Sauer was sent back to New York in May due to the terms of the Rule 5 draft.

Once Sauer returned to the minors, the right-hander split the season between the Yankees’ Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. During his time with Double-A Somerset, Sauer sported a 2.63 ERA.

When Sauer reached Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he struggled with a 16.20 ERA. He allowed 15 runs through 8.1 innings. After his issues in Triple-A, he was demoted to Somerset in July.

Sauer was eligible for minor league free agency since the Yankees didn’t add him to the 40-man roster in November. Although Sauer struggled throughout his time in the majors, the Dodgers have a reputations for transforming players into stars.

A recent example is reliever Anthony Banda, who was an MLB journeyman in his first eight seasons but emerged as a star in the Dodgers’ bullpen.

Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports